Education will be a critical determinant of success for communities in the 21st century, just as land was key to agrarian societies and capital investment was critical to industrial economies. Schools, colleges and universities define a society's long term health and prosperity, educating the workers and leaders of tomorrow. Academic researchers are developing the knowledge and science of the future. However, the challenges facing education systems are daunting - changes in technology, commerce, politics and demographics demand new approaches to teaching and learning. Education for a Smarter Planet investigates some of the major trends impacting education and the transformative strategies that can help position institutions for the future.